Psychiatric Nurse I/II

Psychiatric Nurse I/II

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-6147-02 (O/BW)

Department

Behavioral Wellness

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 4:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:

Psychiatric Nurse I/II

Job posting# 26-6147-02 (O)

An Equal Opportunity Employer

SALARY:

Psychiatric Nurse I: $108,996.16 - $131,193.92 Annually

Psychiatric Nurse II: $114,133.76 - $137,465.12 Annually

Bilingual allowance, when applicable

Special Duty Assignment allowance of 10%, when applicable

Night Shift and Weekend differential, when applicable

We are accepting applications to fill one full-time Psychiatric Nurse I/II vacancy in Santa Barbara. The current vacancy is in the Behavioral Wellness Department.

The Behavioral Wellness Department is also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-Time, and Extra Help (temporary) and 1414 vacancies for Psychiatric Nurse I/II positions in multiple locations including but not limited to Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Therefore, you must check the Individual Location(s) on the application where you would be willing to accept an assignment. Some positions may need to travel between different sites within Santa Barbara County. The operational area may include Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence (Civil Service Rule 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Benefits: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, click here to view more information. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION: Under general supervision, provides professional psychiatric nursing care to acutely and chronically ill patients; performs related duties as required. Below are the different programs this position supports:

The current vacancy works within the Adult Outpatient Clinic: Work schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Staff work as part of multidisciplinary treatment team at the Outpatient Clinics. Behavioral Wellness also has Outpatient Clinics for Children/Transitional Age Youth. Services include individual, family, and group rehabilitation and skill-building interventions, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, co-occurring/harm reduction, Assessment and screening along with treatment planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community partners. This position will be a countywide position to support with coverage for the various Adult and Children outpatient clinics.

The Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): is a free standing Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital. PHF is a 16-bed, locked facility that provides 24-hour, 7 day a week inpatient care to individuals 18 and older requiring psychiatric hospitalization. Incumbents in this class work as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment to people with mental illness, and/or co-occurring conditions.

The Quality Care Management team (QCM): Under general direction, conducts and coordinates quality and utilization review activities of mental health inpatient and outpatient services for the Behavioral Wellness Department and for contracted providers; and performs related duties as required.

Incumbents in this class work in a system of interdisciplinary departmental teams and/or contract service agencies providing assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and related ancillary support services via an integrated service delivery system to people with alcohol and other drug-related problems, mental illness, and/or co-occurring conditions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Psychiatric Nurse I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Psychiatric Nurse I is the entry-level class in this series. Psychiatric Nurse II is the journey-level class in this series. Incumbents perform the full range of psychiatric nursing duties. Work assignments require a thorough knowledge of mental health practices and procedures, laws and regulations, and the ability to work independently. Classes in this series are distinguished from Staff Nurse by the specialization in psychiatric nursing.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Founded in 1962, it is the mission of the Department of Behavioral Wellness to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers. The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels, i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Three years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse as defined by California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Chapter 11, §1770, including some experience planning, organizing, and evaluating program operations and staff
• Experience with patients diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness
• Experience working with electronic health records
• Experience working in forensics, detox, acute health and/or emergency settings
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to work with hostile or challenging patients
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Ability to read, write, converse fluently in English. Spanish preferred but not required

Examples of Duties

• Observes assigned patients on a daily basis to identify, interpret, and document physical and emotional status and/or patterns, such as assaultive or suicidal behavior, and response to treatment or medication; as part of a multi-disciplinary team, assists in formulating a diagnosis and developing and implementing individualized patient treatment plans based on observations; provides crisis intervention to those individuals experiencing acute episodes.
• Participates in or leads nursing educational based groups; participates in departmental and team meetings to discuss patient care and progress, shift activity, and program policies and procedures.
• Administers psychotropic medications to patients, monitors use, and documents reactions; instructs patients on the purpose, dosage, and side effects of medication, and explains the legal process related to the patients refusal to take prescribed medication.
• Obtains medical, psychiatric, social, and family histories of new admissions; takes and records vital signs; obtains lab specimens; assists physicians with exams; schedules and arranges for special tests; develops discharge plans; maintains charts and logs; monitors supplies.
• Interacts with other agencies to promote continuity of patient care.

QCM Example of Duties:

• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the utilization review function to assure the effective utilization of medical or psychiatric services, and appropriate service reimbursement; reviews requests for authorization of services to determine whether the diagnosis and proposed treatment fall within the criteria for service reimbursement and authorizes treatment or refers the request to a higher medical authority; and authorizes reimbursement of contracted inpatient and outpatient services.
• Collects and reviews statistics of services provided using automated systems to determine effectiveness and quality of care provided and to assess whether changes in the program are necessary to provide optimum health or psychiatric care in the most cost-effective manner; and generates reports from automated system.
• Works with beneficiaries, providers, co-workers, and other public agencies to discuss or explain services provided or denied, give direction or authorization for specialized treatments, and establish eligibility of beneficiaries for services.
• Collaborates with fiscal intermediaries, medical staff or mental health professionals, and others to review and interpret patient records and documentation when requests/claims for reimbursements are denied; writes narrative and statistical reports on utilization reviews; and prepares correspondence using word processing software.
• Reviews state regulations; reviews policies and procedures and makes recommendations to management on methods to conform to regulations; educates staff on regulation changes; meets regularly with care providers to identify and address utilization review issues; and conducts training sessions for clinical and support staff on utilization review and documentation.
• Assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Employment Standards

Psychiatric Nurse I

• Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

Knowledge of: the principles, practices, and laws of professional nursing; health education, interviewing, and counseling techniques; common illnesses, diseases, disabilities, injuries, and nutrition; use and effects of general medications and immunizations; community health and social services.

Ability to: understand and explain mental health laws and regulations; learn the various methods, techniques, and procedures used in psychiatric nursing; learn the uses and effects of psychotropic drugs and narcotics; learn patient safety practices and facility security; observe and learn to recognize the behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients; learn the theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; evaluate and assess the need for mental health services; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; prepare and maintain medical records and reports; recognize and respect limits of confidential information; communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins; speak before groups; exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion; establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and organizations; comply with nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations; understand and follow instructions; work independently.

Psychiatric Nurse II

Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and;

• one year of experience in an acute psychiatric care or outpatient community mental health facility; or,
• one year of experience performing duties equivalent to those of Psychiatric Nurse I with Santa Barbara County; or,
• a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: the laws and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing; the various methods, techniques, and procedures used in psychiatric nursing; the uses and effects of psychotropic drugs and narcotics; patient safety practices and facility security; symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed and mentally ill patients; theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy; mental health community resources and services; the principles, practices, and laws of professional nursing; health education; common illnesses, diseases, disabilities, injuries, and nutrition.

Ability to: explain mental health laws and regulations; observe emotional and physical behavior; evaluate and assess the need for mental health services; analyze a situation and adopt a course of action; prepare and maintain medical records and reports; recognize and respect limits of confidential information; direct and advise other nursing staff; communicate with people of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic origins; speak before groups; exercise independent judgment in medical emergencies; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, patience, and compassion; establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, other agencies, and organizations; comply with nursing policies, protocols, and program regulations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; work independently.

Working Conditions:

• Work in both office and clinical settings.
• Maybe required to work evening, night, or weekend shifts for specific assignments.
• Willingness and ability to serve clients of various cultural, physical, behavioral and psychological profiles.
• Incumbents may work in a locked facility with patients who can be a danger to themselves or others.
• The Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) is a 24/7 inpatient unit which requires shift work including holidays, evening and overnight shifts (including weekend evening & overnight shifts).
• Serves clients with behavioral and/or psychiatric treatment needs.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required examination supplemental questions will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than [11] qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

Veterans Preference Points: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) select the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and supporting materials to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER:

• Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidates appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
• The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Fingerprinting for the purpose of a criminal record check as authorized by Section 16501 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code and Section 11105.3 of the California Penal Code may be required for some positions.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Thursday, November 12, 2026, by 4:59PM. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at Career Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | Public Service in Paradise

Savanah Smith, Human Resources Business Partner - sasmith@countyofsb.org

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing.
• Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and one year of experience in an acute psychiatric care or outpatient community mental health facility
• Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and one year of experience performing duties equivalent to those of Psychiatric Nurse I with Santa Barbara County
• Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and a combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• None of the above. I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

02

If you selected the fourth answer option for the preceding supplemental question, "A combination of training, and education and experience that is equivalent to...", then please describe in detail your combined training, education, and experience which qualifies you for this position. You may skip this question if you did not select the third option.

03

Veterans Preference Points: is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five Years from the most recent qualifying veterans experience. There is no time limit for veterans with thirty percent of more disability).

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veterans points.
• No, I do not qualify for Veterans points.

04

Please check the program(s) you would like to be considered for current and future employment. Some programs have provided a brief description of your role as a Psychiatric Nurse I/II in their department. This is your only opportunity to make your selection. Please select all that apply.

• Adult Outpatient Clinic: Staff work as part of multidisciplinary treatment team at the Outpatient Clinics. Services include individual, family, and group rehabilitation and skill-building interventions, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, co-occurring/harm reduction, Assessment and screening along with treatment planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community partners.
• Children/Transitional Age Youth Outpatient Clinic: Staff work as part of multidisciplinary treatment team at the Outpatient Clinics. Services include individual, family, and group rehabilitation and skill-building interventions, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, co-occurring/harm reduction, Assessment and screening along with treatment planning, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community partners.
• Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF): a free standing Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital. PHF is a 16-bed, locked facility that provides 24-hour, 7 day a week inpatient care to individuals 18 and older requiring psychiatric hospitalization. Incumbents in this class work as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment to people with mental illness, and/or co-occurring conditions.
• Quality Care Management (QCM): Under general direction, conducts and coordinates quality and utilization review activities of mental health inpatient and outpatient services for the Behavioral Wellness Department and for contracted providers; and performs related duties as required.

05

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

06

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have as a Psychiatric Nurse? Part-time experience is applicable (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on you completed application).

• 5 or more years of experience
• 4 years up to 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 4 years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience.

07

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have working with individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, or geriatric population in a Psychiatric Facility, Forensic facility or community mental health program? Part-time experience is applicable (full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application).

• 5 or more years of experience
• 4 years up to 5 years of experience
• 3 years up to 4 years of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience.

08

Examination Question: Please select which of the following you have experience in (full details of this experience/knowledge should be on your completed application).

• Locked psychiatric facility.
• Unlocked psychiatric facility.
• Juvenile justice systems/courts/detention facilities.
• Adult justice systems/courts/detention facilities.
• Crisis intervention.
• Severe and persistent mental illness.
• Trauma informed care.
• Treatment planning.
• General patient evaluations.
• Involuntary patient evaluations (danger to self, danger to others, or gravely disabled).
• Providing rehabilitation.
• Outpatient.
• Injectable intramuscular medications.
• Homeless population.
• Child/transitional aged youth (TAY).
• Co-occurring disorders/dual diagnosis population.
• Medi-Cal documentation.
• Providing shift lead support.
• None of the above.

09

Examination Question: Please select which of the following trainings you have completed (full details of this training(s) should be on your completed application).

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• CPR
• First Aid
• AED
• None of the above.

10

Examination Question: Following is a list of programs that you will be using. Please indicate which programs you know how to use proficiently (full details of this experience/knowledge should be on your completed application).

• Internet Browser
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Patients Assists Programs, Prior Authorization Forms, TARS
• Electronic Health Records
• RxNT
• None of the above.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty